Dandong, a key port for trade between China and North Korea, requires special attention to the following points when visiting:
North Korea Activities
Choosing a Reputable Travel Agency: North Korea-related activities (such as Yalu River cruises and China-North Korea border tours) must be arranged through a reputable travel agency to avoid low-price scams. Itineraries should clearly indicate included and excluded activities, along with pricing details. Be wary of tour groups that force purchases or offer incomplete documentation.
Purchase Goods: North Korean specialties (such as cigarettes, stamps, and tiger bone wine) are often counterfeit. It is recommended to purchase them through reputable shopping malls or state-owned stores to avoid counterfeit goods.
Photography Restrictions: The use of professional photography equipment to photograph North Korea is prohibited in areas such as the Yalu River cruise and the New Yalu River Bridge. For general mobile phone photography, please follow on-site instructions.
Transportation
Taxis/Online Ride-hailing Services: Prefer online ride-hailing services (such as Didi) and require the driver to use the meter. There may be price negotiations or detours around stations and attractions, so use map apps to estimate fares in advance. Driving: Parking is limited in the city, so please obey traffic rules. Be mindful of road conditions when visiting scenic spots such as Hekou and Hushan Great Wall.
Civility and Etiquette
Observe local customs: Refrain from discussing North Korea's political and economic systems, imitating the leader's poses for photos, refrain from spitting, littering, jaywalking, or trampling on grass.
Safety Tips: Pay attention to personal safety and obey warning signs in scenic areas. In the event of an emergency, contact the relevant authorities immediately.
Shopping and Dining
Currency: Use RMB directly within North Korea; there is no need to exchange North Korean won or other foreign currency.
Integrity in Business: Choose restaurants and shops that clearly display prices to avoid false advertising or selling inferior goods as genuine goods.